Herbs for Health

Sammi's Patch - Chamomile

During my studies I delved into the herbs and how to put together my own holistic health toolkit. I learnt so much about the properties of herbs and how to use them. I even started growing them and using them. I grew chamomile, echinacea, lemon balm, peppermint and even had dandelions coming up in our back lawn.

Here's some facts about some of the herbs I have in my toolkit.

Chamomile:

German Chamomile - Matricaria chamomilla

This has been well known to be one of the most widely used and safest herbs. Used to treat a wide range of issues both mental and physical and has shown to having great effects with children. It's calmative properties can be of many benefits. Here are some:

• aids in the relief of digestive issues ie; nausea and vomiting

• known to relieve anxiety during times of stress

• may be help to relieve issues with sleeplessness

• useful for infants when teething and is well tolerated by children

• wound healing due to it's antiseptic properties

• soothe skin conditions due to anti-inflammatory properties

Adding hot water to chamomile releases the essential oils in the plant, so using it as a tea is the best way that I love to use chamomile. It can also be added to a bath which is wonderful when you're winding down at the end of the day. Also using it as a foot bath can be an effective way to relieve joint pain, headache or to reduce any swelling. There are however cautions here, if you use chamomile in its essential oil form it is contraindicated in early pregnancy as it can stimulate menstruation but using the whole plant (eg; in tea form) is safe.

Lemon Balm:

Melissa officinalis

This lemon-scented herb has many uses for physical and mental symptoms. It grows well in the sun or part-shade and is good for attracting bees to the garden. Here are some of the benefits:

• the antibacterial properties can assist in the treatment of many illnesses

• cold sores can benefit because of the antiviral properties

• calming of the nervous system

• a mild sedative effect can help with insomnia

• traditionally used to treat colic and upset stomachs

It's a great herb to add in cooking and is a lovely addition to a salad, seafood or a dessert. You can also drink it as a tea. The caution here is it can affect thyroid activity so people with thyroid conditions should not use.

To use in cooking mix 2 tablespoons of lemon balm with butter or oil and rub over chicken prior to roasting. Add a handful of leaves to a smoothie for a gentle lemon flavour. Add 2 tablespoons to your favourite cake or muffin recipe.

Enjoy these 2 wonderful herbs

Sammi

xxx